Canoeing and kayaking
Canoë évasion
BANNAY
As close to the current as possible
The untamed Loire
For centuries, boats have sailed on the river.
Join the long line of freshwater sailors.
And let yourself be carried away by the Loire.
Advice from locals before setting off
- Anyone can go canoeing, you just need to know how to swim. The Loire is not navigable during periods of high water and you should avoid periods of low water, otherwise you may have to carry your canoe.
- Despite the temptation, do not swim in the Loire. Although it looks calm, it hides water holes, whirlpools and sandbars. It is easy to lose your footing and be swept away by the current. Do not take off your life jacket.
- You are about to set off to explore the Loire islands. Listen carefully to the advice of the canoe rental company, who will tell you how to spot sandbanks and which bank to take to avoid dead arms.
- Don't forget your hat, sun cream and water bottle. It gets hot quickly on the water.
- The short 8 km route is perfect for beginners, but you can also try the 21 km ‘Pouilly sur Loire-Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire’ route without any worries. The Loire will carry you along and you will see the magnificent landscapes along the way.
Where to rent a canoe?
21 km of happiness: Pouilly-sur-Loire - Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire
From the island of Cosne, the canoe rental company will take you by minibus to the south of Pouilly sur Loire. Get ready for a complete immersion in the Loire islands!
With each stroke of the paddle, the landscape changes: sandbanks, oxbow lakes, alluvial forests, lawns and dry meadows. It's the perfect place to moor and have a picnic on an island.
After St Thibault and its quays, the Loire widens as it passes under the PO bridge and drops you off at the foot of Cosne Cours sur Loire.
A découvrir au fil du parcours :
The Val de Loire Nature Reserve
You will embark on a journey into the heart of this protected area, home to many species.
To avoid disturbing them, please keep noise to a minimum and be careful when disembarking on the islands. You may be lucky enough to see terns and sand martins.
Pour tout savoir sur la réserve
Cities along the Loire River
Pouilly-sur-Loire, St Thibault, Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire
From the river, it is easier to imagine the living conditions of the sailors. In the 18th century, at the height of river transport activity, barges, flatboats and other convoys of boats docked at its quays.
Pour en savoir plus sur la batellerie
The PO Bridge
This structure was built on the former Bourges-Toul military railway line by the Paris-Orléans Railway Company, hence its local name, the ‘P.-O. Bridge’.
With a total length of 828 m, it is one of the longest railway truss bridges in France. Today, it is used by the cyclorail.
Tenté par le cyclorail ?
km 500
Geography souvenir
The Loire is the longest river in France, stretching 1,000 km. And it is in Pouilly-sur-Loire, at the bridge, that the Loire is exactly halfway between its source and its mouth. In memory of your primary school teacher, don't forget to take a souvenir photo in front of the marker.
They love their territory.
Confidences from our residents
The best way to explore the Loire:
Explore the Loire between Pouilly-sur-Loire and Saint-Satur by canoe. Take the small side arms of the river, where the Loire reveals its wild side. A complete change of scenery is guaranteed. For the more motivated, the return trip can be done by bike!
